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May 20, 2016

Exhibition unpacks the Cochrane PNG Collection

The latest UOW exhibition 24 Boxes: Unpacking the Cochrane Papua New Guinea Collection was officially launched on Friday 20 May by Emeritus Professor Ken McKinnon AO.

Providing fascinating insights into a significant period in Papua New Guinea (PNG) history, the exhibition showcases items relating to the development of local education, the work of Catholic missions and churches, the growth of a PNG government on the path to Independence, and the stories, traditional music, regional customs and ceremonies of its people. The items on display reflect the experiences of Percy and Renata Cochrane from 1949-1966.

Percy Cochrane moved to Papua New Guinea in 1949 to work as Senior Broadcasts Officer for the Territory Administration under the Australian Government, accompanied by his wife Renata Cochrane and two small children. Renata was later employed by the Administration as a Publications Officer. From 1949-66 the Cochranes' public occupations and private interests converged in their efforts to photograph, sound record and document facets of Papua New Guinea cultural life, the work of the Administration and the role of Catholic missions.

UOW Director Library Services Margie Jantti said the Cochrane Papua New Guinea Collection is one of UOW Library’s most popular digitised collections, receiving considerable interest from individuals and groups internationally.

“This exhibition is an exquisite time capsule of people, places and events in PNG during the mid-20^th Century, providing an insight into the experiences of Percy and Renata Cochrane and the people they encountered during their time in PNG,” Ms Jantti said.

The Cochrane Collection was assembled by Renata Cochrane and her daughter Susan Cochrane during 1981-82 and donated to the UOW Archives in 1985.

“The Cochrane Papua New Guinea Collection is a significant archival resource, recording aspects of both the art and cultural heritage of PNG, and the role Australia played in the lead up to independence,” UOW Manager Archives Kerry Ross said.

Professor McKinnon AO officially launched the exhibition on Friday 20 May and provided personal insight into this collection through his connections with Percy Cochrane during his appointment as Headmaster and Director of Education in Papua New Guinea (1954-73).

The exhibition will be open from Wednesday 18 May to Sunday 18 September 2016 in the Library Panizzi Room.